Snyder To Give Jan. 1 Speech Outside

Governor-elect Rick Snyder will change things up a bit when he gives his inaugural speech in January. According to WWJ Lansing Bureau Chief Tim Skubick, Snyder will give his inaugural speech on the Capitol steps Jan. 1st, rather than move indoors after the swearing-in as Gov. Jennifer Granholm did.

Linda Gobler is overseeing much of the planning for Snyder's inauguration. She told said Monday that the governor-elect wants to follow tradition by giving his inaugural speech from the Capitol steps.

"Maybe this is symbolic -- that the economy is cold and people watching the speech will be as well," Skubick said.

Granholm and other officials were sworn in on the steps in her 2003 and 2007 inaugurations, but the ceremonies were then moved to the warmth of the Lansing Center.

Gobler says the Republican governor-elect also is likely to skip holding the traditional inaugural balls, although she says there will be a celebration. She says Snyder doesn't want to waste a week on parties.
   
The Associated Press contributed to this report.